Doctor's Notes on Smoke Inhalation
The main cause of death related to fires is smoke inhalation. Smoke inhalation is breathing in the products of combustion during a fire. Smoke is composed of both heated particles and gases. Smoke inhalation may damage the body in different ways, including simple asphyxiation (lack of oxygen), chemical irritation, chemical asphyxiation, or a combination of these. Carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide, and hydrogen sulfide are types of harmful chemicals produced in fires that interfere with the body’s use of oxygen and are termed chemical asphyxiants.
Signs and symptoms associated with smoke inhalation can include cough, shortness of breath, changes in mental status, hoarseness, and headache. Other signs and symptoms can include rapid breathing, black mucus production, irritation of the eyes, changes in skin color, confusion, fainting, nausea, and vomiting.
Trauma and First Aid : Training and Supplies Quiz
QuestionEmotional trauma is best described as a psychological response to a deeply distressing or life-threatening experience.
See AnswerMust Read Articles:
-
Bronchitis (Chronic)
Bronchitis is inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. There are several viruses and bacteria that cause bronchitis. Exposure to pollutants or tobacco smoke are also risks. Bronchitis is contagious if it is viral or bacterial. It is not contagious if it is due to smoking, air pollution, and other inhaled irritants. Symptoms of bronchitis include cough, sore throat, wheezing, fever, chills, etc. Treatment for bronchitis depends on the cause. -
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning material containing carbon. Carbon monoxide kills nearly 400 people each year in the U.S. Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, nausea, fatigue, and are often mistaken for the flu. If a person suspects they have been exposed to carbon monoxide poison, seek medical care emergently.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.